San Antonio Botanical Gardens

You wouldn't expect to find such a huge variety of birds in a city centre but at San Antonio Botanical Gardens you will discover hundreds of different species spanning across 15 hectares. Log onto the official website and download the Birding Checklist guide, ticking them off as you spot them. See if you can spot a black-bellied whistling duck or even a downy woodpecker. With so many species to choose from, it really is a fun way to pass the time in such beautiful surroundings.

Lose yourself in time with a trip down the Texas Native Trail where you can explore the varying native plant life of three different landscapes: Hill Country, East Texas Piney Woods and South Texas. It is well signposted with interesting information stops dotted along the way. Meander along the winding path and learn about these plants and how they are used by birds, animals and people – from Native Americans to contemporary city folk. See if you can spot the early Texan settlement homes with wells that have been reconstructed along this trail.

The site you find the gardens in today was formerly the San Antonio Water Works. Despite the area becoming city land in 1899, the idea for the botanical garden wasn't conceived until the late 1960s. It was officially opened in 1980 and eight years later, $6.9 million US dollars were spent on adding the award-winning Lucile Halsell conservatory. It houses five greenhouses with specific climates in each, a central courtyard and a tropical lagoon, which is ideal for chilling out on a hot day. It has won many architectural design accolades which makes it a definite must see!

If you're feeling peckish after all that exploring, why not head over to the Carriage House Bistro which is open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday. Entertain the kids by feeding the ducks and fish with fish food available for 25 cents. Locals and tourists alike flock to San Antonio Botanical Gardens in the summer to escape the city noise and get back to nature. There is a small entry fee, but it all goes back into developing the gardens so it’s worth it.